Robert Lankford

Sr.LaFAYETTE Robert "Bob" Aaron Lankford Sr., 81, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013.Robert was a lifelong resident of LaFayette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron C. and Annie Venice Lankford; brothers, Doug and Harley Lankford; sisters, Glenice Peppers, Mildred Maffett, and Sybil Smallwood. Robert was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Amos Lankford.Robert is survived by six children, Norma (David) Simons, of Toccoa, Ga., Kathy (Randy) Hunter, of Summerville, Ga.A, Robert Aaron Jr., Summerville, Timothy (Karen), Dalton, Ga., Carolyn (Gary) Forgey, Fort Oglethorpe and Regina (Michael) Cothran, Oakwood, Ga. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 19 great- grandchildren, and today, he is in Heaven watching over his 20th great-grandchild, Xander Simons until his arrival on Earth.A true American patriot, Robert was the recipient of three bronze stars awarded for valor during his service in the Korean War. After his military service, Robert married the love of his life and became father, provider and hero to six children. A quiet, stern man with a heart of gold, Robert lived his life as a tower of strength, courage and integrity witnessed by all who knew him.Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, with the Rev. Matthew Hunter officiating.Interment will be at La Fayette Memory Gardens.Pall bearers are Timothy Lankford, David Simons, Randy Hunter, Michael Cothran, Gary Forgey and Tyler Kelley.The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 -9 p.m. today, Sept. 9.Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.